Never Stop Praying

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Never stop praying.

Pray without ceasing. Prayer should be more than a few words spoken over a meal. It is constant intercession with thanksgiving, praise and need.

Pray for situations as they occur. Instantly pray for someone who says “pray for me.” These are like “arrow” prayers… Our moments of instantaneous thoughts for those in immediate need. So often friends ask us for prayer and we agree, never taking to heart the needs they have or the importance of the request. But each request is a cry of the heart, not to be taken lightly and not to be forgotten. So, shoot an arrow prayer into heaven.

There is great power behind the words of a prayer. Jesus constantly slipped away from the crowds to talk to His Father. He came to God for His strength and the guidance and wisdom He needed daily to carry on the work He was assigned.

Conversation with God is not one-sided. Even when we feel as though He is not listening, or has turned a deaf ear to us, He hasn’t. God hears every word we utter and senses every need we have. He may not answer right away, as He answers in His time, not ours. Also, His answer may be no… but in His infinite wisdom, He knows what we need and when we need it.

So, pray wholeheartedly for those who express their grief to you, for those who are sick or injured, or those who are lonely. Speak words of praise for the joys of life and the blessings that are given to you and never forget to thank Him.

Be instant in season and out of season. Be aggressive in your prayers. Faith grows when it is worked. Believe when you pray.

You don’t have to pray out loud—just have a prayer in your heart and on your lips continuously. Just try it. God will answer your prayers and you will have
accomplished what Jesus wants you to do—pray without ceasing!

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you hear AND answer all of our prayers. We understand that the answer is not always “yes”, and the answers will not always be in our time, but always in Your time.  Help us to take the time to share with you, not only our wants, but our thanks.  Give us faith to know that you hear every one of our prayers.  Guide us to those who need the message of Your Love, and the message of Your Word, and the message of Your Salvation. Help us to change the world, one heart at a time.  Amen.

-Pastor Chris

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